Are you worried about your root canal procedure coming up? Many people feel uneasy about this common treatment. For many years, there have been myths that have caused people to avoid this procedure instead of getting the treatment they need. Fortunately, a lot of this misinformation simply isn’t true, and you have nothing to worry about. Continue reading to learn about some common root canal myths and what your dentist has to say about them.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful
Back in the day, this could have been the case, but with modern dental technology and anesthetics, you won’t feel any more discomfort than you would if you were getting a deep filling. For most patients, root canals actually relieve the pain that an infection inflicts. This procedure does not cause the excruciating pain that many associate with it. Most of the time, your tooth can be treated quickly and comfortably. If you are experiencing any discomfort after the procedure, this can be easily remedied with over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Myth #2: You Should Have Your Tooth Extracted Instead
If you are able to have your natural tooth saved, this is always the best option. Root canals have a high success rate and often last for an entire lifetime. Even though there have been some great advancements in tooth replacement options, no artificial tooth replacement is quite as good as the real thing. If you were to opt for a dental implant, this would mean that you’d have many more appointments and additional recovery time. Bridges can compromise your surrounding teeth. In the end, it’s best to save your natural tooth if possible.
Myth #3: Root Canals Can Make You Sick
This is one that simply isn’t true. This is a misconception that having a root canal makes you more likely to become sick or contract a disease in the future. This claim is based off of poorly designed research that took place in the 1920s. This was debunked a long time ago, as people at the time didn’t understand the causes of many different diseases. Fortunately, there is no valid scientific evidence that shows that a root canal can make you sick or cause you to contract a disease elsewhere in the body.
Root canals sound scary, but these days they aren’t anything worth stressing about. According to the American Association of Endodontists, this common dental procedure saves more than 15 million teeth every single year in the United States. It will be over with before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. William Herr earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry and attended the Veteran Administration’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. During this time, he received specialty training in numerous aspects of oral health including endodontic treatment. For more information on root canal therapy or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Herr at his office in New Bedford, visit his website or call (508) 997-1030.
